i would bear it all broken just to fill my cup
The Decemberists are a band that has always intrigued me: they can be elusively erudite, with solidly attractive melodies, and say what you will about the nasal twang of Colin Meloy’s voice – folks either seem to love it or hate it. I know less of their music that I probably should (although I definitely have gone through a solid year-long fling with “Red Right Ankle” lately). But that all might change if their new album sounds as irresistible as this first track they’ve released today.
I’m kinda gobsmacked by the combination of Decemberists + Gillian Welch + harmonica + Peter Buck on jangly guitar like it’s 1993.
STREAM: Down By The Water (feat. Gillian Welch & Peter Buck) – The Decemberists
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(download it for the price of an email addy here)
The King Is Dead is due out in January on Capitol.
Name: Heather Browne
Ooof, love it! Looking forward to hearing the rest of the album.
Zach — November 2, 2010 @ 1:24 pm
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This makes me think of Heartbreaker-era Ryan Adams rewriting Springsteen’s The River, and I am liking it.
Kevin — November 2, 2010 @ 8:30 pm
^Nice, I agree. Instant-love for this song. Heather, or anyone else looking for an introduction to the band, The Decemberists have few throwaway tracks so it’s a rewarding experience familiarizing yourself with the entire discography.
However, if you want a bite-size helping I’d recommend to take a closer look at these three songs. They showcase the slower, more intimate and moving side of their body of work, even though they’re more known for sprawling, pull all stops, operatic pieces with lyrics like expertly written short stories.
The Hazards of Love 4 (The Drowned)
Sleepless (on “Dark Was The Night”)
The Kingdom of Spain (on “Picaresqueties EP)
If they still release a new album in this calendar year, they’re sure to be a contender for album of the year. Always have been ever since Picaresque. The Hazards of Love is far and away my album of 2007 by the by the.
Christof — November 3, 2010 @ 4:28 am
As someone whose three favorite loves are The Avett Brothers, Josh Ritter AND The Decemberists, I find it only fitting to see a post about them on my favorite music blog, Heather. Good Form.
Might I suggest those who are into the more “folksy” side of things to check out Colin Meloy’s solo stuff before delving in to the rabbit hole (ie. Hazards of Love)
Tricia — November 18, 2010 @ 8:38 pm